Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD), also known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), is one of the leading causes of death globally. It occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked due to narrowed coronary arteries, usually caused by a buildup of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis). This condition not only threatens life but also impacts families, productivity, and spiritual well-being.
As Christians, we are stewards of our bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) reminds us:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit... Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Understanding and caring for our hearts is a responsibility we owe to God, ourselves, and our community.
Epidemiology
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Ischaemic Heart Disease is the leading cause of death globally.
- In 2019, it claimed approximately 8.9 million lives, representing 16% of all global deaths.
- Although once considered a disease of the elderly, young adults are increasingly at risk due to poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and stress.
- Developing countries, including Ghana, are witnessing a sharp rise in heart disease due to urbanization and changing lifestyles.
✅ Facts vs. Myths
- Myth: Only older people get heart disease.
Fact: Young people can and do suffer from IHD due to poor lifestyle choices.
- Myth: Heart disease always causes chest pain.
Fact: Some people experience no symptoms at all (silent ischaemia).
- Myth: If I exercise, I can't get heart disease.
Fact: Exercise helps, but genetics, stress, and diet also play roles.
- Myth: Women aren’t at risk.
Fact: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women.
Causes and Risk Factors
Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Poor diet (especially high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats)
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Chronic stress
Non-modifiable Risk Factors:
- Family history
- Age (especially over 45 for men and 55 for women)
- Gender (men are generally at higher risk, but risk increases in postmenopausal women)
Spiritual Insight:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
While this speaks of spiritual guarding, the principle also applies to physical care. The heart is central—physically and spiritually.
Treatments
- Lifestyle modification (diet, exercise, quitting smoking)
- Medications:
- Aspirin/clopidogrel (to prevent blood clots)
- Statins (to lower cholesterol)
- Beta-blockers (to lower blood pressure and heart workload)
- Nitrates (to relieve chest pain)
- Others may be based on your clinical state.
- Surgical interventions:
- Angioplasty and stent placement
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Faith and Healing:
While we believe in divine healing (James 5:14-15), we also acknowledge that God works through doctors and medicine. Seeking medical help is not a lack of faith—it is wisdom.
Complications
Untreated or poorly managed IHD can lead to:
- Heart attacks (myocardial infarction)
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- Sudden cardiac death
These complications can disable or even kill, often without warning.
Preventive Measures
1. Healthy Eating – Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and reduce salt and sugar.
2. Physical Activity – At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly (e.g., brisk walking, dancing, cycling).
3. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Abuse – Smoking greatly increases heart disease risk.
4. Regular Checkups – Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
5. Manage Stress and Anxiety – “Cast your burdens unto Jesus.” – Matthew 11:28. Chronic stress contributes to heart strain.
6. Sleep Well – Get 7–8 hours of quality sleep per night.
A Christian Perspective
God has given us the responsibility to care for our lives. Ecclesiastes 7:17 warns:
“Do not be overly wicked, nor be foolish: why should you die before your time?”
Many heart disease cases are preventable. Let us not sabotage our futures with avoidable habits.
Let us alsosupport one another—encouraging healthy choices in our youth groups, families, and church communities.
Final Words
Ischaemic Heart Disease is a silent killer that we can defeat through awareness, prevention, faith, and unity. Let us honor God by caring for our hearts—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
References
1.World Health Organization (WHO) – Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs): [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds))
2. Mayo Clinic – Coronary Artery Disease (14th June, 2024)
3. American Heart Association – Know Your Risk for Heart Disease (19th December, 2024)
4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – Ischaemic Heart Disease (27th December, 2024)
written by:
Sophia Mansah Mensah
Physician Assistant (Trained at Central University, Miotso)
Medical Student (University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu)
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